Jane Got a Gun might have endured the most challenging pre-production in recent cinematic history. Aside from frequent cast changes, the original director Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin) dropped out a mere day before filming started. She was replaced by Warrior director Gavin O'Connor who successfully shot the film in advance of a 2014 release. However, Ramsay is now being sued by the film's producers for alleged 'disruptive' behaviour.
New Mexican TV station KRQE has revealed that the producers are looking to have Ramsay pay back her $500,000 payment, and are also seeking further punitive damages. The lawsuit claims Ramsay "was repeatedly under the influence of alcohol, was abusive to members of the cast and crew and was generally disruptive... Defendant Ramsay failed to adhere to proper safety protocol for handling weapons on set, when she pointed a prop gun directly at a camera and, in turn, at the camera crew before first taking proper precautions."
It's reported that the cast and crew members had all turned up for the first day's filming, not expecting Ramsay's absence.
The director trouble isn't the only complication the film faced during its lengthy pre-production, with Portman remaining one of the few constants. Before the cameras rolled, various other central cast members dropped out, some of whom stated they had signed up to work with Ramsay. Michael Fassbender, Jude Law and Bradley Cooper had all been on board at various point, with Ewan McGregor and Joel Edgerton ultimately playing the film's two male leads. It has been rumoured that Edgerton even switched roles at one point before filming began.
You can read more about the film's development troubles here.
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